Inspiration for fashion can come from anywhere, and the best style resources are right at your fingertips.
1. Begin with people you already know.
Pull in your most basic resources: family and friends, if you have no idea where you truly want to go with your personal style. At home, who do you admire? Who do you look up to at work? What do they have on that makes you think they are attractive? Start referring to those outfit ideas as a starting point. You are not obligated to follow a specific genre. You are not required to choose a celebrity. Everyone knows someone who makes them think to themselves, “They look nice.”
2. Conduct an internet search.
To find the type of look you want, use a search engine. Search for terms like boho or preppy if you know what you are looking for. If you are unsure, go for a more straightforward approach. You can look up “men’s style” if you are a man. If you are a woman, type “women’s style” into the search box. Look up “non-binary style” if you are non-binary. You can add “plus-size style” if you are a plus-size person. And you will have a plethora of options to choose from. Begin by clicking through them and asking yourself, “Is it possible that is me? Does that ring true for me? Is it something I would like to experience if I were that person?”
Spend time on social media observing how your friends and celebrities dress, from sweatshirts and leggings to blazers and turtlenecks for work. Finding a few fashion bloggers whose style you admire and searching through their archives for your favorite outfits is a great way to get fashion advice and inspiration.
3. Look to off-duty and street style for inspiration.
If you like the style of a celebrity or influencer, look for images of them when they are not on the red carpet. When they are not in the spotlight, what do they wear? What are they wearing for their OOTD (outfit of the day)? Find out who that celebrity’s stylist is and take inspiration from them.
4. Take a stroll through the mall.
Look around for boutiques and designer shops. Pay attention to how the mannequins are dressed and look for items that appeal to you. Mannequins are frequently styled to show off multiple items from a store, so this is a good way to find out which items are trending and to experiment with layering. Window shopping can also be used for online shopping—many brands have look books available on their websites that you can bookmark for future reference.
5. Attend runway shows.
You do not have to go to New York Fashion Week to see runway shows, and they are a great source of inspiration. Vogue.com, for example, has every major runway show from the last 20 years. Take in as many runway shows as possible. Determine which fashion trends are appropriate for you. It is even more convenient than window shopping. You are pondering what common themes would be appropriate for your wardrobe. And all you are doing is drawing inspiration.
You are not going to buy that designer item. On the runway, the pieces and styling are not intended for everyday use. A runway show is a work of art, but it can also serve as a source of outfit inspiration.
6. Think outside the box.
When looking for ideas, keep in mind that they do not have to come from the fashion world. Botanicals, art, film, and animals may all inspire you. If you come across a flower with vibrant colors, try to incorporate them into your outfit. Many designers get their fashion ideas from this kind of real-world style inspiration. Outside of the realm of fashion, you can get ideas for a look that is unique rather than trendy.
